Totó la Momposina Returns to London

Totó la Momposina makes a rare London appearance with a new show inspired by her last album Tambolero. Now in her 70s, Totó has become a legend worldwide for her work with traditional music from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Investigating and preserving the music of her homeland when it was unfashionable to do so, she has inspired several generations whilst constantly developing her own musical traditions.

Totó has collaborated with many artists, from Celina Gonzalez and Remmy Ongala to Calle 13 and Lila Downs. Her music has been sampled and remixed by countless DJs and producers from Timbaland to Michel Cleis – indeed the trance-like grooves of her Tambores and the majesty of her voice continue to be irresistible.

Totó’s story is also that of modern Colombia – from displaced economic migration to the horrors of civil war, from the joy of music and dance to the celebration of peace and a cultural identity. Her new show features members of her family, tambores (drums), flutes and voices and also features projections showing the history of the music and dance in performance.

“She’s got the magic and she knows how to use it, percolating her percussion-centered ensemble into a froth that thickens time into an eternal ecstatic present” The Beat

“Living, breathing power music, born on an island in the Madalena River of African, Caribbean and native South American roots.” CMJ New World Music

“A small human thunderstorm … with galvanising voice.” Froots

“A majestic, powerful and versatile singer.” The Guardian

“Haunting and open-handed.” The Times

“Totó La Momposina is a charismatic Latin musical matriarch whose magnificent voice and traditional percussion-based street music are astonishingly raw and powerful.” Time Out